East-West Road: Activist Demands Full Disclosure of N30bn Repair Fund from Umahi

Rev. David Ugolor, an activist and publisher of The Common Good Letter, has asked the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to disclose comprehensive details of the Federal Government’s N30 billion approval for remedial works on the East-West Road.

Ugolor said Nigerians deserve to know how the money would be spent, which contractors would handle the repairs and when the affected sections of the road would be completed.

In an open letter addressed to the minister, he acknowledged the Federal Executive Council’s approval of N30 billion for the rehabilitation of deteriorated portions of the highway during its meeting on October 28, 2026.

While welcoming the intervention, he maintained that announcing the approval was not enough without making the project’s implementation arrangements accessible to the public.

According to him, transparency would enable communities along the road, motorists and civil society groups to track the project and hold relevant authorities accountable for the use of public resources.

“An approval is one stage of delivery. Nigerians also need to know what work has been authorised, who will execute it, how it will be financed and when it will be completed,” Ugolor said.

He specifically requested that the Ministry of Works publish the locations and extent of the proposed repairs, including the states, communities, kilometre markers and length of each road section covered by the intervention.

The activist also raised concerns about the damaged Kira section in Rivers State, asking whether it was included in the N30 billion package alongside other locations recently impacted by flooding.

He further demanded the release of the engineering specifications, bill of quantities and standards against which the completed work would be assessed.

Ugolor said the ministry must clearly state whether the approved funds were intended for emergency repairs, permanent reconstruction, improved drainage systems, bridge and culvert works or raising sections of the road to address flooding.

He also pressed Umahi to disclose the identities of the contractors and supervising consultants responsible for the interventions.

According to him, the ministry should explain whether the works would be awarded under new contracts, implemented through variations to existing contracts or handled through other procurement arrangements.

He called for the publication of the procurement process, relevant government approvals and applicable clearances from the Bureau of Public Procurement.

On financial accountability, Ugolor requested a breakdown showing the difference between the N30 billion approved, the amount released, payments made to contractors and funds certified for work already completed.

He said the ministry should also provide the dates of the relevant financial transactions to enable the public to track the movement and utilisation of the funds.

The publisher also sought clarification on how the latest approval would interact with ongoing East-West Road contracts and the previously announced reconstruction of about 400 kilometres of the highway linking Edo and Cross River states.

He proposed that the ministry publish a unified project schedule detailing the scope, geographical boundaries, costs and responsibilities of each intervention to avoid duplication and conflicting project arrangements.

Ugolor further stressed the need for the government to prioritise road safety and durability, particularly in flood-prone areas.

He called for the release of drainage designs, flood-risk studies and geotechnical assessments, adding that the ministry should explain how the proposed engineering solutions would manage water flow, improve road elevation and protect neighbouring communities.

He also asked for details of community consultations and compensation arrangements wherever they would be required.

On implementation, the activist requested information on when contractors would be mobilised, expected completion dates, measurable milestones, traffic management plans and the government officials assigned to monitor the projects.

He urged the relevant committees of the National Assembly to exercise oversight by examining the approval and tracking expenditure until the work is completed.

He also encouraged state governments, host communities, transport unions and civil society organisations to obtain relevant project documents and monitor the execution of the repairs.

“The Common Good Letter supports urgent repairs and a transparent, adequately funded programme for the wider East-West Road,” Ugolor said.

He called on the Minister of Works to provide Nigerians with a consolidated explanation backed by official documents covering the approval, procurement process, funding and implementation arrangements.

“Public money must deliver safe roads, measurable progress and lasting relief,” he added.

Africans Angle News